Huge Empties | Makeup, Skincare, Health, Pet Care!

My last empties was in November (linked here), so I've accumulated quite a bit of empties since then. I had so much, that I had to exclude some from this post as it was just too much!

There is still quite a bit so I will keep the info as brief as possible. I will include links to products where possible. Prices won't be included as they are forever changing.

This fab product escaped from my skincare photo

SKINCARE

Equate Aloe Vera Continuous Spray:
I am not happy with the fact that this product contains parabens but until I find a better option, this is very effective and convenient to use with my NuFace. I use The Body Shop's Vitamin E Essence for my face and I use this when I treat my neck. It has a super fine mist and it's easy to apply. It's the only Aloe I've found that doesn't sting my eyes and skin.

Repurchase ✔

Garnier Micellar Water for Dry and Sensitive Skin:
I adore this micellar water and have backups galore! I not only use it to remove makeup, but I also use it often as my AM cleanse. It doesn't affect the PH of my skin like water does, it's gentle and hydrating, and it is enough for a morning cleanse since there isn't much dirt to remove.

Repurchase ✔

Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray:
Love this rosewater toner. It's hydrating and soothing with aloe, herbs, minerals, and hyaluronic acid. I transferred it to my George's Always Active Aloe Spray bottle because I like the fine mist that the bottle has.

Repurchase ✔

Holistic Vanity Rosacea Care:
I love most of the products that I've tried from Pure + Simple Skincare (Holistic Vanity is a line of theirs). This product was just okay for me. I didn't notice anything from using it, although I don't have rosacea so it may work for those who suffer from it. I will stick with other products from Pure + Simple like their oils and serums that I love.

Repurchase ✖

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream:
I know a lot of people love this skin cream. I did not. I much prefer my Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer or the Cetaphil moisturizer shown in this post as they keep the moisture in my dehydrated skin much better than this cream does. It turned out to be an expensive hand cream for me.

Repurchase ✖

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel:
I received this sample from Sephora. I used it for 3 days and I found it drying and a bit irritating for my skin, it also caused my skin to breakout. It does have great reviews and it's something I could probably use occasionally but there are cheaper options that do the same thing, IMO.

Repurchase ✖

Cetaphil Hydrating Night Cream:
Apparently, this cream wanted a feature of his own as he snuck out of my skincare photo. I LOVE this night cream! I found it so hydrating for my dehydrated skin! I have a full review on it (linked here). Excellent cream if you have dehydrated or dry skin. It's lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid. A really great skin cream and beats out a lot of high-end products for me. My only gripe is that it's so expensive in Canada compared to the price in the USA!

Repurchase ✔

MAKEUP

Paula's Choice Lip and Body Treatment Balm:
This product is great as a moisturizing barrier on your lips, although you can use it anywhere. I love that Paula's Choice doesn't use fragrances in their products. The little tub lasts forever if you are just using it on your lips.

Repurchase ✔

Essence I ❤ Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara:
Another winning mascara from Essence. It gives me long and full lashes. I do prefer their Lash Princess but this would be my second choice for an affordable and fabulous mascara.

Repurchase ✔

Almay One Coat Mega Volume Mascara:
I love a lot of Almay products, this isn't one of them. I gave it 3 chances and it was absolutely horrible! The brush design made it impossible to apply and I have never had worse looking lashes. When I used this mascara, I looked like I had 3 eyelashes per eye! Somehow this has all 5-star reviews on Amazon! (Below is a photo of the wand).

Repurchase ✖

HEALTH

Garden of Life My Kind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi-Vitamin:
This is one of my favourite Multi-Vitamins. It's not overstimulating (I have sleep issues). The ingredients are fantastic and it's vegan. One of the few multi's where I actually feel a difference.

Repurchase ✔

Nature's Answer Rhodiola 100mg:
This is my favourite Rhodiola and I've been using it for years. It's a fabulous adaptogen and helps us deal with stress. I am currently trying out Adrenasmart, which contains the same dose of Rhodiola so it won't have to repurchase, atm.

Repurchase ✔

A. Vogel Avenaforce:
This is a tincture containing extract of oats. I used to find it a big help with my sleep issues so I decided to give it another try. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me this time. If you have sleep issues, it's worth giving this supplement a try. It should work for someone with average sleep issues.

Repurchase ✖

Eidon Ionic Minerals Silica:
Silica is an essential mineral involved in collagen formation and calcium management. This is a fab product but it's pricey. I am going to switch to Biosil and see how that goes. I mean if Christie Brinkley uses Biosil... 😄

Repurchase ✖

BHI Calming Homoeopathic Tablets:
LOVE this homoeopathic composition. I don't feel a difference when I take it but it does help a bit with my sleep issues. I also take it when I wake up. There are no contraindications with homoeopathics which is one reason I love them so much.

Repurchase ✔

Webber Naturals Super Sleep:
This product contains a small amount of melatonin, L-theanine, and 5 HTP. It's a very effective product. The first time I tried it I slept for about 12 hours straight! Now, I can only take it on and off as it will make my sleep more restless if I take it too many nights in a row (I have a very sensitive constitution). I like that you can break the tablets into halves or quarters, whatever you like, it's super helpful when I just need a tiny dose. This is usually available at Costco, too.

Repurchase ✔

Homeocan Homeopathic Medicine Insomnia:
Love this one! This worked wonders and I need to repurchase it asap!

Repurchase ✔

MISC.

Madre Labs CocoCeps Organic Dark Cocoa Beverage:
I drink this most mornings with protein powder as a smoothie. It tastes great and has certified organic cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders. So many health benefits!

Repurchase ✔

Jason Healthy Mouth Mouthwash:
I've been using this for years. It contains so many wonderful and natural ingredients for healthy teeth and gums. It lasts forever as you can dilute it with water 1:1, so the bottle basically doubles in size.

Repurchase ✔

Now Foods Xyli White Toothpaste:
Another product that I've been using for years. I've had better dental checkups since using it. It's fluoride-free, SLS-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and it tastes great! Note: it's also available in mint flavours if cinnamon isn't your jam.

Repurchase ✔

PET CARE

Dr. Mercola Astaxanthin for Cats & Dogs:
Astaxanthin has so many health benefits for us as well as our pets. Unfortunately, my cat won't touch the stuff, I think he has some sensitivity to it. Although he wouldn't touch this, I recently gave him Krill oil by a different brand and we think he had a bad reaction to it. Krill also contains astaxanthin so we will stay away from it. If your pet can take astaxanthin, it's worth giving it to them. If you read about the benefits, you will be amazed. A shame that my boy can't take this. My cat does love and benefits from Dr. Mercola's Ubiquinol/ Q10 for pets.

Repurchase ✖

Sunforce True Colloidal Silver 10PPM:
Colloidal Silver is excellent to keep on hand for your pet's health. It can be used topically as well as internally. Excellent for many types of infections. The brand we used to buy at the pet store is no longer available so I purchase the same PPM (parts per million) at the health food store.

Repurchase ✔

HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid For Joints (Cat Formula):
I notice a difference with my cat's sensitivity in his back and leg area, it is definitely reduced while he takes this. It's a clear and tasteless liquid that I put in his wet food and he has no problem taking it. Unfortunately, it is expensive but it's worth it. For now, I give him half the dose to make it more affordable.

Repurchase ✔

I hope you enjoyed hearing about what I loved or not so much. 

Always check with your doctor or health care practitioner before beginning any new supplements for yourself or your pets. 

Have a great week!

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you for the support should you choose to use them.

iHerb Health Haul | Anti-Aging, Sleep, Stress, Pet Health

It's been a while since I shared what I've hauled from iHerb. I thought I'd share this one as it contains current essential supplements for me and my pet, and I figured that some of you might be interested in some of these products.

I will share links to products in the product heading. I leave the prices out because they are forever changing.

General Health, Stress & Sleep

Now Foods Glycine (Free Form) Pure Powder- 1lb

From iHerb:
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Non-GMO.

I don't know a whole lot about amino acids but I picked this up before as it's supposed to help with sleep. I found the action very subtle but what I noticed over time, with daily use, was reduced stress and anxiety. I believe that it's helping with my sleep as well, but I have to stop taking melatonin to truly be able to tell, as melatonin helps me fall asleep but has started to cause me to wake up prematurely. I take 1 tsp of the Glycine powder in my water bottle and sip it throughout the day. It has a slightly sweet taste to it. It's recommended that you take it on an empty stomach, like other amino acids. I find this powder form much more affordable than taking capsules and it's also easier to take.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea (Standardized)- 100mg / 60 caps

I've been taking this Rhodiola for years! I've taken the occasional break (which I recommend with most herbs), but I really don't like to be without it. Rhodiola is a herb and an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies deal with (adapt) to stressors. I've tried other brands and doses but I find that this one works best for me. I only take one capsule daily.

Dr. Axe on Rhodiola:
"Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins."

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Reported Benefits:

• Energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Prevents fatigue
• Increases stamina
• Boosts physical energy
• Improves mood and well-being
• Increases memory and focus
• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes physical recovery
• Cortisol reduction
• Normalizes stress hormones

BHI Calming Homoeopathic Complex- 100 Tablets

Homeopathics can do wonders for many ailments. Many believe in only single remedies but I have found benefits from many composition formulas like this one.

These calming tablets state they relieve nervous tension, irritability, and sleeplessness. I take these for sleep and they are often the ticket to send me over the edge into sleep or to put me back to sleep if I wake prematurely. I have tried many other formulas with some success but I've had the most success with this one. I keep going back to it and luckily, it continues to work for me.

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains: *Chamomilla 2X, *coffea cruda 10X, *humulus lupulus 2X, *ignatia amara 8X, moschus 10X, *nux vomica 30X, *passiflora incarnata 2X, *sulphur 12X, valeriana officinalis 2X, *veratrum album 4X 30 mg each.

Pet Health

Hyalogic HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid for Joints Feline Hip & Joint Formula- 1oz (Dog formula linked below)

Info from iHerb:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is revolutionizing the joint health management for humans, horses, and now your pets. Found naturally in all living organisms, it provides the elastic shock absorbing properties to support healthy joints for your pet.

HyaFlex is patented for joint health and helps to compensate for your pet's depleted ability to produce Hyaluronic Acid with age by maintaining and supporting healthy movement and lubrication.

I gave this to my cat as prevention as he ages. I saw him benefit the same day, as hours after I gave it to him, he suddenly began charging around the house. His hips seem less sensitive to the touch as well. I said I was going to switch to another herbal formula for joint health but it's very difficult to administer that one. This one is so easy as it's tasteless and he laps it up when I put it in his wet food. To make it more affordable, I give him 1/2 the recommended dose and he still benefits. I will bump up the dose if I have to but for now 1/2 the dose is working.

This product is Vegan and Gluten-Free.


Dr Mercola Ubiquinol For Cats & Dogs- 58ml

Info from iHerb:

• Helps To Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress
• For Cats & Dogs
• Made with Quality Ubiquinol
• Recommended to Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress.

I'm a huge fan of CoQ10 and I've personally been taking it daily for over 16 years! My heart actually repaired itself from a condition called Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and I attribute that to the Q10 I've been taking (linked here). 

My cat has been taking this Q10 for quite some time. I noticed that he was benefiting right away so I continued to give it to him. The dose is based on your pets weight and my cat only needs 1 drop per day, so it's quite affordable for us. Doses start at 1 drop per day to 8 drops per day for the largest size pet. There is a dosing chart on the product page, linked here.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my most recent iHerb haul and what some of my current essential supplements are for me and my pet. Hopefully, you found some of the info helpful!

As always, check with your Doctor or health care provider before beginning any new supplements. Health and Beauty Girl is not a health professional. I am sharing what helps me and my loved ones in hopes of helping others.

If you plan on shopping with iHerb, you can save 5% OFF your entire order with discount code AGU725 or just use this link. This code can be used by anyone, unlimited times and it doesn't expire so you can share it with your friends and family as well. The discount code is good for new and existing customers. (This is a referral link).

iHerb's shipping is super cheap and super fast!

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them and support this site.

iHerb Haul | Health, Beauty, Supplements, Heart Health

I've placed so many recent iHerb orders and I've gotten way behind in sharing my new finds, so I'm literally sharing this one right after it arrived!

I decided I needed to try out a new multivitamin, so I did some research (found a great resource for that linked here). I went with an inexpensive one by Now Foods but it's highly ranked and rated. Of course, while I'm on iHerb's website, I had to stock up on some essentials and throw in a beauty product, too.

I will provide links to each product in the headings. I won't be listing the prices as they are constantly changing.

Here are the deets on my purchases...

Madre Labs CocoCeps
This is my go-to cocoa powder for my morning smoothie. It gives me energy to start my day and has healthy immune boosting mushrooms.

"CocoCeps is a Premium, Certified Organic, 100% Natural (Non-Alkalized) Dark Cocoa Beverage, containing a Full-Spectrum Blend of Micronized Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms. This innovative Cocoa Blend from Madre Labs is the first to use MicroFungi – micronized mushroom powders, specially processed to greatly reduce particle size and assist with bioavailability."


Now Foods Eve Women's Multivitamin
This is the multi vitamin that I settled on after doing some research. It's highly rated and has great reviews. It met most of my criteria but not all. We all have our own need and it can be tough to find a vitamin that has everything that you want but this was the closest. Now to try this product and see if it makes a difference.

With cranberry, alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, superfruits, pomegranate, acai, and mangosteen. This formula contains iron.


Healthy Origins CoQ10
This has been my go-to CoQ10 for years. I have heart issues, including Mitral Valve Prolapse and was recently retested and the results showed that my heart issues have dramatically improved! I can't prove that it's the Q10 but it's what I've been taking since I was diagnosed over 10 years ago. This is a supplement that I will never be without. I believe that Q10 is important for anyone over the age of 40 as our bodies produce less Q10. I've done my research and I find no reason to switch to the more expensive version Ubiquinol! This product is non-GMO. *(This is currently on sale for only $3.00. It went on sale the day after I place my order, of course).

"Healthy Origins CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring substance that facilitates the production of cellular energy. In every cell in your body there are small engines called mitochondria. Ninety-five percent of the total energy created within the body comes from these mitochondria, and none of it can take place without CoQ10. Our 100% natural (trans-isomer) CoQ10 is produced exclusively through a yeast fermentation process and is pharmaceutical grade, the highest quality available."

Link to a research article on various types of CoQ10.


Mercola Ubiquinol for Pets (263 pumps per bottle)
I started my cat on this Q10 for pets a few months ago. I can see a difference with his health and only wish that I started him on this sooner. I put it on his wet food and luckily, he laps it up as if he knows that it's good for him. I will never stop giving him this product. This is actually just a backup bottle so I don't run out.

From Mercola:
"Cells use CoQ10 to support their energy and growth. Cells with the fastest turn over – like heart cells, mouth tissue cells, intestinal mucosal cells and immune system cells –demand high levels of CoQ10."

• Help optimize energy production for cells and bodily functions
• Help support optimal heart health
• Help protect cells against free radical damage
• Help reduce the signs of normal aging that are caused by oxidative stress
• Help support optimal immune function
• Help support optimal brain and nervous system function

Eco Tools Dry Brush
I love dry brushing! It has many benefits. I got out of the habit of dry brushing mostly because I forget to do it before my shower. My previous dry brush has a big long handle and it's hanging up on the other side of my bathroom so I never reach for it. I had my eye on this dry brush because it's so compact that I think I'll be able to keep it handy and reach for it more. I saw this brush on other websites for over $17.00!! This was only $3.02 on iHerb so I had to throw it in my cart!

"Use the Ecotools Dry Body Brush to gently brush using long, upward strokes. Start with your legs, then midsection, then arms. Always rushing in an upward motion. Regular dry brushing exfoliates and detoxifies improving appearance and leaving skin soft, smooth and glowing."

Link to benefits of dry brushing.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this month's iHerb haul! It's my favourite place to purchase my health products as the prices are so low and shipping is cheap and fast. I paid $2.00 shipping for this whole order and received my order in 2 days (I chose DHL shipping with prepaid taxes, it's much cheaper this way).

You can get 5% off your entire order with this link. 

(good for all orders, every time,  as well as all customer, new and old).

*Not sponsored. Contains referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!